4to. [6], xxviii, 232 pp., of Introduction, +693 pp., [20], [2 corrigenda & addenda], 2 steel folding engraved maps (1 of Arabia), 3 tables showing genealogy of Arab tribes (2 folding), 1 folding plan of Mecca, contemporary full calf, lightly rubbed, title printed in red and black, marbled outer edges, some worm holes on lower margins of several pages, otherwise copy in good condition, Lemgo, Meyer, first edition, 1746.

Synopsis

“This is the first and only edition of the early German translation based on a translation by George Sale. The introduction to the so-called “Lemgo Koran” which comprises more than 200 pages was determined by the spirit of European Enlightenment. Although Theodor Arnold was convinced of the universal validity of the reformist doctrine, he acted and wrote according to the principle “Honour to whom honour is due”. It is important to know that the controversy against Islam was rooted in the falsified and forged translations of the Qur’an. In his introduction Arnold intensively explained those falsifications. Therefore his book is even today up-to-date. The author lays down three rules for the proper approach towards Muslims, which are supposed to have commanded deep unease of the public opinion at that time. Translation of quote: “The first of these rules is to avoid any obligation, the other to avoid doctrine which are against one’s better knowledge. We might think about the Muhammadans what we want, they are not fools, who will be convinced by such arguments…. The third rule is to avoid unclear statements…meet them with affability…” “His statements on the Prophet and the propagation of his doctrine, too, were in complete contradiction to the popular ideas of his time and continue to be contradictory right through until today.” [Enay 177].
Bibliographic references: Ebert 11525; Binark-E. 790/ 1; Schnurrer 430; Pfannmüller 209; Zenker I, 1398.